U.S. Government News

Mortgage Market Crisis: FTC to Host Conference

Fri, 16 May 2008 03:29:14 PST

The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics will host a conference on May 29 to highlight and assess the role of consumer information in the current mortgage crisis from an economic perspective.

SEC Broadens Opportunities for Small Business Financing

Fri, 16 May 2008 03:18:41 PST

The Securities and Exchange Commission today broadened small business financing opportunities by adopting a rule amendment under the Investment Company Act to increase the availability of capital to certain smaller companies that may not have ready access to the public capital markets or other forms of conventional financing.

Having a Yard Sale? Make Sure You Have Enough Insurance Coverage

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:16:39 PST

A yard sale is a great way to clean out your home, make a little money and do some good for the environment by providing a second life for your possessions. But your enterprise could get expensive if someone gets hurt on your property and decides to sue, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

So You’re in the Market for a Car?

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:49:50 PST

If you’ve heard about those great government auto auctions, but you’ve never known where to find one, wonder no more.

CSU still faces critical challenges to meet 2008-09 needs

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:43:02 PST

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 's May revision of the State budget restored $97.6 million to the California State University, reducing the $386 million gap in state funding initially anticipated for the 2008-09 CSU budget.

Memorial Day Camping Availability

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:23:15 PST

It's not too late to make reservations for camping to celebrate the Memorial Day! Get out there and have your own adventure at one of our 278 State Parks. See below for parks with sites available for one or more nights between May 23 and May 26, 2008.

Wireless Phone Study: 63 Million U.S. Adults Mostly or Only Use Wireless Phones

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:30:05 PST

Preliminary results from the July-December 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) indicate that nearly one out of every six American homes (15.8%) had only wireless telephones during the second half of 2007.

China, Myanmar Events Are Deadliest Disasters in Years

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:18:50 PST

The devastating earthquake that hit southwestern China yesterday registered a 7.9 on the Richter magnitude scale, stronger than the 7.5 magnitude quake which struck the country in July 1976, killing tens of thousands of people. In the chart below the Insurance Information Institute has compiled the 10 deadliest world catastrophes between 1970 and 2007, according to Swiss Re.

Nearly Half of Americans Unprepared for Disaster, New Survey Reveals

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:53:59 PST

As the nation continues to brace for hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and floods that accompany the spring and summer disaster season, a new survey shows that nearly half of U.S. consumers are insufficiently prepared - in terms of their insurance coverage - to deal with potential losses, according to new research by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

MORTGAGE FRAUD: New Analysis of a Rising Threat, The FBI Reports

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:06:16 PST

Mortgage fraud is clearly on the rise. Although there is no central way to track the total extent of the problem, we received 46,717 Suspicious Activity Reports related to mortgage fraud last year--compared to 35,617 in 2006 and just 6,936 in 2003. Only seven percent of these reports documented an exact dollar amount in terms of losses, but even so, the total loss from this seven percent was $813 million.

The Subprime Mortgage Market 2007 Report: The Federal Reserves Reports

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:02:03 PST

Learn about the factors that led to the subprime mortgage crisis, the impact of these developments on the nation and the Twelfth District, and "lessons learned" that may contribute to financial market stability going forward

IRS Reminds Small Tax-Exempt Organizations of the First Filing Date for the e-Postcard Electronic Notice

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:59:08 PST

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded small tax-exempt organizations of their new annual electronic filing requirement as the first filing deadline of May 15 approaches. Organizations can file by going to the appropriate page on this Web site.

California Anti-Smoking TV Commercials Contest: Winning Commercial to Debut during "American Idol"

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:04:50 PST

With this contest, we invited Californians to add their talents to the state's long history of effective anti-tobacco television ads that helped reduce smoking in our state by more than 30 percent," said Horton. "All Californians should be proud of the creativity, commitment and enthusiasm reflected in the Be A Reel Hero entries. "

IRS Research: Tax Challenges of Business Income

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:43:04 PST

Internal Revenue Service research indicates that understated business income contributes significantly to the tax gap, with the majority understated by small businesses.

One in Every 12 Adolescents Experienced Major Depression in the Past Year

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:38:56 PST

Survey reveals adolescent females are twice as likely as adolescent males to suffer a major depressive episode

Frank Sinatra Postal Stamp and CD Announced by US Postal Service

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:34:35 PST

Today, the Postal Service is proud to deliver its own special tribute to the Chairman of the Board,’” said Postal Service Board of Governors Chairman Alan Kessler. "On Frank's 80th birthday, the City of New York turned the Empire State Building blue. Starting today, we’re going to try to do New York City one better -- by turning America’s mail a beautiful shade of blue. One hundred twenty million portraits of ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ will carry our cards, letters and packages to their destinations all around the world."

Stamps Increasing by One Cent to 42¢ on May 12

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:50:03 PST

WASHINGTON, DC—The price for a one-ounce First-Class stamp will increase from 41 to 42 cents on May 12.

Married parents, household activities, and childcare

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:17:44 PST

Married mothers employed full time are more likely to do household activities and provide childcare on an average day than are married fathers employed full time.

Most Popular Baby Names for 2007 Announced

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:26:08 PST

Elvis Rises to Number 676

Eating Disorders: Group Parent Training, Recruiting Participants

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:02:25 PST

While parents are considered essential for the effective treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa, the most effective manner to involve parents in treatment is unknown.